Southern Ontario Library Service

Advanced EXCEL Program

Beginning in 2008, there will be two levels of EXCEL courses. The first level, now referred to as basic EXCEL, is the original program. The second level, called Advanced EXCEL, is a new program of study which builds on the knowledge and skills acquired through the basic EXCEL program, going into greater depth in a number of key areas. Advanced EXCEL has been developed as a result of requests from former EXCEL students and from EXCEL tutors who could see a need for information in specific areas.

Advanced EXCEL

Advanced EXCEL consists of thirteen courses delivered online with the support of a tutor. Each course consists of three modules with an assignment per module and an exam for the course. Assignments are based on practical applications to test the principles of the course in students’ own work situations. They are graded either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction.

To receive the Advanced EXCEL certificate, students must have their basic EXCEL Certificate in Managing a Small Public Library and must complete six Advanced EXCEL courses within a four year period, including three mandatory courses - A31 or A32, A33 and A34.  Those with other library qualifications such as a Library Techniques diploma or MLS can also qualify for the Advanced EXCEL certificate provided they complete six Advanced EXCEL courses within a four year period, including three mandatory courses - A31 or A32, A33 and A34.  Individuals not interested in pursuing the Advanced EXCEL certificate may take individual courses of interest to them.

There will be a Fall (October-November) and Winter (February-March) semester. Each semester, a registration form will be posted on the EXCEL section of the SOLS web site, approximately six weeks before the registration deadline. The registration fee per course is $85 plus GST.

Courses are offered over two semesters – Fall and Winter. All courses will be offered at least once every two years with some courses offered more frequently.

A complete list of courses is posted in this section of the website.

More information on the basic EXCEL stream is posted on the SOLS website.